Explore Dorset

Lake Farm is located in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) nestled amongst some of the country’s finest landscapes, ideally placed for walks, biking or trips to West Dorset’s incredible beaches.

Around and About Toller Hut

Explore one of the many bridleways and footpaths surrounding Lake Farm including the Wessex Ridgeway Trail which crosses Dorset’s rural heartland . Walk to Mapperton across a stunning series of gullies, hillocks, and hidden valleys which host a diverse mix of woodland to visit Mapperton House and its award winning gardens.

Wander up the bridal path to Westcombe Coppice , an ancient oak wood thought to have inspired Thomas Hardy when writing ‘Far From The Madding Crowd’, hauntingly beautiful and carpeted in bluebells during spring.

Continue into Hooke Park, a fascinating woodland, home to Architectural Association students and their incredible wooden structures nestled amongst the ancient bluebell woodland.

Coarse / carp fishing available on the private lake on request.

Pre-book yoga by the lake with local teacher Lucy Findlay on request.

Beaches and Coastal Walks

Seatown and Golden Cap

A steep walk uphill from Seatown is rewarded with magnificent views at the rocky shoulder of the Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast!
Burton Bradstock

Hive beach is a spectacular section of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site.
Chesil Beach

A really pretty place for a walk, starting at Portland you can walk all the way to Abbotsbury.
West Bay

Spectacular scenery from the shingle beach backed by sandstone cliffs and featured in The Good Beach guide.
Eype

Less well known, Eype offers seclusion away from the other more popular beaches. Watch the sunset in the west over Lyme Bay.

Places to Visit

Abbotsbury

A charming village home to St Catherine’s Chapel, a 600 year old swannery and the magnificent subtropical gardens.
Eggardon Hill

An iron Age hill fort and downland with views across the Marshwood Vale to the coast and the English Channel.
Evershot

This pretty village is home to The Acorn Inn, famously featured in three Thomas Hardy novels. Loop walks from the pub take you through a deer park and along magical woodland pathways.
Beaminster

Surrounded by beautiful countryside with an extensive array of listed cottages and buildings surrounding the quaint village square. You will find independent homeware and food shops alongside numerous places to eat and drink.
Cerne Abbas

Cerne Abbas is a charming and quaint village that is world renowned for the Cerne Giant, a 180 ft high ancient chalk figure carved out into the steep sloping hillside above the village. After exploring there are a selection of pubs and tea rooms to choose from.
Black Cow Distillery

Made locally in Beaminster, the distillery hosts cocktail making classes, tours and lunch in the new Bar + Kitchen.
Furleigh Estate

West Dorsets answer to champagne, the nearby Furleigh Estate offer tours of the vineyard and winery or drop in to sample the delicious range of award winning wines.
Sherborne

A charming town brimming with history and heritage. Visit the magnificent Abbey, castle and gardens. Meet local artist Richard Bramble at his studio and enjoy browsing his iconic collection of ceramics.